Player Ratings from a 5-0 Champions League kickoff win

Midfielders

Frenkie de Jong – 9/10

Frenkie was always extremely talented, but his start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular. In this one, he was as influential as ever, performing very well as the link between defense and attack. He broke through lines, not just with the pass, but with the dribble. He sprung a beautiful line-splitting pass to Félix for the second goal, and was surprisingly disciplined positionally. His defense, however, wasn’t much needed in this one. Barça pretty much controlled the last 80 minutes entirely.

Gavi – 8/10

His defense already well-established, Gavi has shown early on this season that the rest of his game is also top-notch. In this one, he was solid. He was a key part of the positional play Xavi was trying to put out there, often popping up in different spaces, keeping the defense guessing. He also scored a nice goal for the 4th, absolutely blasting it into the top corner.

Gündoğan – 8/10

Another match that really showed Gündoğan’s experience and savvy. He controlled the game well, linking up with Frenkie, Cancelo, and Félix often. His line-splitting pass to Félix put him in a great position to score the game’s first. He also made some nice runs and other nice passes that just couldn’t quite result in a score. But overall, very good. His signing this summer (on a free!) was a tremendous decision, especially with Pedri out of the lineup now. He gives the team a bit of that Pedri calm every time he plays.

Oriol Romeu – 7/10

Came on in the 58th minute for Frenkie de Jong. He was what we’ve come to expect from him – a wall defensively and perfectly capable on the ball. He doesn’t lose balls or make risky passes. Good outing from him tonight.

Fermín López – 6/10

Came on for Gavi in the 58th as well. He did look a bit lost out there at times, but he didn’t play badly. His energy was certainly there, and he does show flashes of something really great sometimes. Definitely would like to see him more going forward.